Belonging Matters

December is a month full of celebrations, bringing joy across various cultures. It’s a time for laughter and appreciating life’s moments.

Let’s embrace the spirit of generosity! By embracing generosity, we foster compassion and empathy through gifts, kind gestures, or simply being present for others. Giving not only nourishes our souls but also strengthens our connections.

This month also invites us to reflect inwardly. As nature slows down, we can contemplate the past year and tap into our inner wisdom. Reflecting on all we experienced and learned last year, we can enter the new year focusing on our abundance and gratitude. 

As we close the year and welcome the new one, let’s fill our hearts with hope and excitement for what’s ahead!

While in college, Chris originally majored in physical therapy, but while taking a basic massage class, he found that he really enjoyed it. Thinking he could always return to PT if he wanted, he switched gears and shifted his focus to massage. KCHA (SolSpring at that time) was one of the top listed schools in the country, and it was local, so he enrolled and graduated in 2003. 

He accepted an apprenticeship with SolSpring and quickly became a full practitioner at their spa. During his 12 years with SolSpring, Chris learned other modalities such as CST, lymphatic drainage, prenatal massage, chair massage, spa services, and more, and his practice evolved from a focus on relaxation to a focus on pain management. Wanting to devote his practice to the pain community, Chris joined a local chiropractic clinic team. After quickly discovering that the clinic did not share his treatment philosophy, Chris found work in a practice that aligns with his beliefs and has been practicing at Reynolds Chiropractic for almost 11 years.

Chris’ practice is rooted in science-based treatments for musculoskeletal issues. In short, the techniques he uses have been proven to assist with or eliminate pain in the body. He sees many patients, both pre and post-surgical or patients with chronic issues that have only been mitigated with pain-relieving drugs. 

As KCHA’s Clinic Overseer, Chris hopes to share his experience and help create the next generation of great KCHA grads.

Are you ready to experience the light touch technique of CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy, or CST, is a non-invasive technique that directly connects to the Central Nervous System and the body’s innate wisdom to heal itself when given the opportunity and possibility. It can release tension,  pain, and dysfunction deep in the body where long-lasting effects of past trauma may have gone unnoticed yet still influence your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Besides physical changes, CST can affect and release emotions buried in the tissues.

CSW1 and CSW2 are being offered as a package:
CSW1 will be on March 22-23, 2025, from 9 AM – 6 PM
CSW2 will be on May 3-4, 2025, from 9 AM – 6 PM

In these sessions, you will learn the:
* History of CST
* Anatomy of CST
* Relationship between fascia and diaphragms

Registration information coming soon!

December is the perfect time to consider gift ideas promoting health and wellness. A massage at Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts Student  Massage Clinic is a perfect gift to give or receive. As students near the end of their training and are ready to provide sessions for the public, these sessions are relaxing, and the price can’t be beat!

Gift certificates are available, as are monthly specials. Check the booking site for more details: Student Clinic Booking Site.

As the body ages, it changes in various ways, including decreased circulation, reduced muscle tone, joint stiffness, and potential accumulation of tension or stress. The good news is regular massage can help address these challenges and promote overall health in several key ways: 

Stimulating blood flow and improving circulation and oxygen delivery to tissues that support healing and reduce swelling or fluid retention.

Alleviating muscle tension and increasing flexibility by stretching and lengthening muscles. This can also improve posture and alignment, which reduces discomfort.

Reducing pain and inflammation from injuries and conditions such as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.

Stimulating the lymphatic system, which slows down as we age, promotes the removal of toxins and reduces fluid retention.

Supporting healthy joint function by reducing stiffness, promoting crucial fluid circulation, and decreasing pain or discomfort from conditions like osteoarthritis.

Reducing stress and anxiety by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

Improving sleep disturbances resulting from pain, anxiety, or poor circulation.

Promoting mental clarity and emotional health by releasing accumulated stress and boosting energy.

Without a doubt, regular massage can be an effective, natural complement to other health strategies that support healthful aging. 

As we marvel at the Long Nights Moon, the last full moon of the year, let’s reflect on where we’ve been and focus on where we hope to go. 

Be sure to check out the KCHA calendar for additional events!